We're happy to announce a new list of Mood-boosting Books for 2017, chosen by young people. The titles were suggested by Reading Hack groups, young library volunteers and visitors to the Southbank's 2016 YA Weekender. The final list was decided by young people from Shoreditch Library.

The varied list includes Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche's essay, We Should All Be Feminists, Jillian and Mariko Tamaki's graphic novel, This One Summer and classic children's books Matilda and A Bear Called Paddington.

You can see the full list here

"Very reassuring and encouraging"

The young people recommended books that had lifted their mood or that had been uplifting for others. A young person from Essex Libraries recommended Finding Cherokee Brown by Siobhan Curham, for example, because it 'reinforces that it is possible to live well with mental health issues'.

Paddington Bear by Michael Bond was chosen by a young person at Essex Libraries for its ability to "put a smile on your face, whatever your age". Roald Dahl's Matilda was recommended for being "one of the funniest, most heart-warming books you will ever read".

About Mood-boosting Books

Mood-boosting Books is a national promotion of uplifting titles, including novels, poetry and non-fiction, for adults and young people. All of the books have been recommended by readers. Take a look at previous years' lists

Get involved

See the full Mood-boosting Books list for young people

Order materials to promote Mood-boosting Books at your organisation

Find out more about our work with young people